Watch CBS News

AG Files Lawsuit Against 8 Calif. Car Washes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against eight car washes owned by the family that runs the trendy Koi restaurants popular with celebrities around the world.

The lawsuit alleges the businesses owned by the Sikder family are not licensed and employees were denied minimum wage, refused rest and meal breaks, and forced to show up early without pay. The lawsuit contends workers who quit or were fired were not paid and others received checks that were rejected.

The attorney general's office seeks $6.6 million in back wage and penalties from car washes in eight cities from Santa Monica to Folsom. They are operated by the Sikder family, which owns Koi restaurants in West Hollywood, New York, Las Vegas and Bangkok.

A message left with the Koi Group was not immediately returned.

© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.